Volkswagen / Passat / 1996
1996 Volkswagen Passat problems
Owners have filed 185 complaints about the 1996 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 31.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of visibility at 11.9%.
Complaints185
Crashes2
Fires1
Injuries6
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 31.9% · 59
Visibility 11.9% · 22
Latches/locks/linkages 10.8% · 20
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.0% · 13
Power train 7.0% · 13
Engine and engine cooling 6.5% · 12
Structure 4.9% · 9
Unknown or other 4.3% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 2 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 6 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 22 model years of the Volkswagen Passat in this data, 1996 sits 17th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 84,200 miles.
In owners' own words
: The contact stated the vehicle would not start sometimes and the windshield wipers worked intermittently. The vehicle finally started after several attempts. There was a nhtsa recall, # 02v256000, regarding the electrical system: ignition: switch. The manufacturer informed the contact that previous recall repair information was available through the dealer. The dealership was not contacted. Electrical system · reported at 150,000 miles
When the key is inserted into the ignition and turned, the engine does not start, which also caused other componets to become inoperative, consumer had the ignition lock assembly replaced. After the replacement, consumer was still experiencing difficulties in starting the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the ignition lock assembly was faulty, also the battery was eplaced. Electrical system
: The contact stated the headlights and windshield wipers became inoperable, then the vehicle would not start. The vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic. The recall, #02v256000 concerning the ignition switch was performed on the vehicle in august 2002. The vehicle is having the same problem as indicated in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted. Electrical system · reported at 105,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…